Our current Project

FORWARD at the Rock.

FORWARD seeks to develop a small-scale, non-private sector, affordable model housing community for adults on the autism spectrum

our Vision

Through this project, FORWARD and its partners - the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) and the Town of Dennis, have the opportunity to create a residential community development that will provide a much higher standard of living for individuals on the autism spectrum - without being cost prohibitive

Accommodations

The architectural design and furnishings are being implemented to not only be aesthetically pleasing - but to also meet the needs and requirements of its residents fully. The residence will be one story for ease in mobility, and the home will be designed to meet the needs of limited movement, vision, hearing, cognitive ability, constrained space, behavioral difficulties, perception issues as well as other special ASD considerations pertaining to lighting, space, and multisensory therapeutic needs.

DDS Approval

In March of 2016, the concept for FORWARD at the Rock was approved by The Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and in May of 2017, FORWARD received a formal letter of support from DDS offices with approval to refer clients for supported services when the building has been completed.

Building Community

Located in Dennis, MA at the heart of Cape Cod, the FORWARD at the Rock property is situated on a peaceful wooded site on Hokum Rock Road - approximately one mile from the Village of Dennis and nearby to many local amenities. In addition to the housing, plans include the creation of public walking trails and gardens on the adjacent 10 acres of Town owned property.

The Design

Each Cape Cod styled duplex will consist of two four-bedroom homes (8 units) - the two buildings connected by a walkway. Each individual unit will qualify as affordable housing to individuals earning below 60% of the Median Income (AMI) for Barnstable County, MA. Each individual home will provide four single bedrooms with private and semi-private bathrooms, a common kitchen, living and recreation areas as well as a small workspace for staff, and an additional common bathroom for staff and visitors.

Partial Funding & Poised for Construction

In October of 2015, Community Preservation Community (CPC) approved $500,000 in Grant funding to the FORWARD at the Rock Project, to be released once construction is underway. A talented building team - engineer, architect, project manager, developer and attorney is now in place and we are poised to begin construction.

A Specialised Project

This project is being designed in honor of the vision of a better future for all. Its intent - to be a comfortable and pleasing home environment where residents can age-in-place, and have greater control over how and where they live along with access to as much support as needed on an individual basis.

Land/Town of Dennis Investment

In October of 2015, a 99 year lease for the 4.9 acres of Town owned property on Hokum Rock Road was signed by FORWARD.

FORWARD, as owner of the FORWARD at the Rock property, will retain financial responsibility and oversight of the property, building maintenance, and future development.